Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 11 July 2023
767. Deputy Colm Burke asked the Minister for Health if he will confirm that funding from the EU4Health Joint Action on diabetes and cardiovascular disease will be utilised to establish a pilot early detection programme for structural heart disease; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33864/23]
View answerThe Department participates actively in the EU4Health Steering Group and Programme Committee, and together with its aegis bodies including the Health Service Executive (HSE) and Health Research Board (HRB), works to bring possible support measures under EU4Health to the attention of health authorities and eligible stakeholders.
Ireland joined a European consortium to prepare and apply for the direct grant to Member States on the prevention of NCDs. This application was submitted on the 15th of February and is now under review by the European Health and Digital Executive Agency (HaDEA), the results of which are expected July/August.
The joint action(s) on CVD and diabetes (JACARDI) supports the policy objective of reducing the burden of NCDs and implements the EU4Health Programme’s general objective of improving and fostering health in the Union. It aligns with our Sláintecare Reform Programme which is driving new investments in chronic disease management and CVD prevention.
Ireland is in the process of finalising the detail of our CVD priorities and we have undertaken a National Review of our cardiac services looking CVD prevention and related risk factors. The Review has identified innovative practices, including CVD screening, early diagnosis (which include structural heart disease) and CVD prevention which exemplify best practice for chronic disease management and care of older people, and empowers individuals to take charge of their own health care. The projects identified include an equity dimension aimed at reducing health inequalities. These practices align with the activities to be funded under JACARDI.
Once the EU grant agreement is finalised the expected start date for the identified projects is Sept/Oct 2023.
